Texans' Clowney expected to begin practice Aug. 17

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after 22-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium on November 23, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Clowney played just four games as a rookie last season before having season-ending microfracture surgery in December. The Texans have said that his rehabilitation from that surgery is going well and they hope that he'll be ready to play in the season opener.

The Texans' first preseason game is Aug. 15 and they open the season on Sept. 13 against the Chiefs.